Patriots bring back Bennett after Packers' release

The New England Patriots have claimed tight end Martellus Bennett off waivers after he was released Wednesday by the Green Bay Packers, the team announced Thursday.

Bennett played for the Patriots last season, making 55 catches for 701 yards and seven touchdowns while helping the team win Super Bowl LI.

The Packers cut Bennett with a failure to disclose physical condition designation on Wednesday. He was struggling to produce, catching 24 passes for 233 yards with no scores, and had stated via social media that he's leaning heavily toward retirement following this season.

The Patriots will owe Bennett just $423,529 in base salary for the remainder of the year, according to Ben Volin of the Boston Globe.

Bennett will likely slot in as the second tight end behind Rob Gronkowski as offseason acquisition Dwayne Allen has yet to make a catch through eight games this season.